Journey to Jordan    

Application period closed and participants selected for summer 2008

Arabic Language
and Culture Institute

June 15 - August 12, 2008
                              

 

Application deadline:  May 8, 2008,

received at UW-Green Bay no later than that date

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Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Anne Kok,
global citizen and activist for social justice, who died in a Wisconsin vehicle accident. Anne lived in Jordan years ago, helping the country and people she loved so much. Her enthusiastic contributions to this program mirrored that work. 

Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice
wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love.
Live as if today is all there is.
    - from Anne's desk, by Maryanne Radmacher
                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                    Anne at the University of Jordan

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Our first Journey to Jordan program in summer 2006 was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  In part due to the success of that pilot program, UW-Green Bay was selected as the winner of another grant competition for Journey to Jordan II in summer 2007.  We were asked to submit a renewal proposal for 2008.

A diverse group of 21 students will be selected to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience with four previous participants (special assistants) and program staff. The group will spend several days in Washington, D.C. and seven weeks in Jordan, including a six-week Arabic language institute at the University of Jordan in Amman. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and be age 15-18 at the start of the program.  Graduating seniors qualify as long as they are no older than 18 on the first day of the program (arrival in Washington, D.C.).  No previous Arabic experience is required. 

Program components:

• Modern Standard and colloquial Arabic classes for four groups of students,  beginning and intermediate levels, at the University of Jordan’s Language Center.  Four hours of Arabic study each day, four days per week, with additional study outside of class, including experiences that reinforce the learning of colloquial Arabic. 

• Pre-departure learning online using podcasts and other resources, with assistance from instructors of Arabic.  Participants will arrive in Jordan knowing the alphabet, key words and phrases, and other things that will help ease them into the institute.

• Pre-departure activities in Washington, D.C., including: cross-cultural orientation; “Arabic in Careers" presentations by professionals in various sectors; meetings with non-governmental organizations with Middle East interests; visits to Washington museums and monuments; a briefing at the Embassy of Jordan; a meeting with Congressional staff and a tour of the Capitol.  

• Cultural immersion activities in Jordan including:  field trips to places like the Dana Nature Reserve and Petra, the “Lost City of Stone,” museums, government offices, multinational organizations, and other special places of interest; community service and civil society projects with Jordanian youth organizations; a home stay with a Jordanian host family.

• Accompanied for the duration by two Arabic-speaking American program staff who have traveled and worked in the region. The program director accompanies the group to Jordan for the first week and returns for the final week to accompany the group home. For more about staff, see the "Letter to Parents."

• Follow-on learning upon return through podcasts and exercises online, led by instructors of Arabic. Ongoing contact with new American and Jordanian friends, with emphasis on civil society issues, more Arabic/English learning for all.

• It may be possible to arrange for six summer academic credits at a cost of approximately $1,500 for Wisconsin residents or $3,300 for out-of-state students.  Participants should discuss this with UW-Green Bay first, then with their home schools to determine whether the credit will be allowed.  If interested in this option, please contact us immediately so we can determine levels of interest.

* Participants are responsible for up to (approximately) $1,500 of the program cost. This is expected to be "high end" -- in other words, the amount could be lower and will differ due to personal approaches and preferences. Personal expenses will include the purchase of a passport; most meals and some ground transportation in Washington, D.C. and Jordan; laundry fees; spending money for souvenirs and personal items; and telephone calls home (wireless Internet will be available at the program hotel, at the University of Jordan, and at Internet cafes in the area).  Previous participants have received financial assistance  from civic organizations, school boards, and other local sources. 

All other program expenses will be covered through grant funds (a scholarship of approximately $10,000), including domestic and international airfare, Arabic language instruction, lodging, cell phones, most ground transportation, field trips, medical insurance, all breakfasts in Jordan, and a small stipend for other meals throughout the summer. 

Jay Harris
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
International Projects Office
2420 Nicolet Drive, WH 303
Green Bay, WI  54311
harrisja@uwgb.edu
Tel:   (920) 465-5145
Fax:  (920) 465-2043